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One such emotion that we don’t actively seek out in life is sadness, but we do enjoy a good tearjerker of a story. When it comes to film storytelling, is among the most crucial elements. When movie characters are weak and depressed, we want to laugh, be happy, and cry simultaneously. These feelings forge a bond between viewers and the characters that last long after the film has ended. We do occasionally enjoy breaking down in tears while watching an emotionally charged film and if you are also part of this clan, then say no more. Here is a list of the top depressing, sad, and heartbreaking movies available on Hulu for you to enjoy a good emotional sob.
These best sad movies delve into themes of love, loss, and human resilience, Tune into Hulu today with the best Hulu VPN available. Enjoy the best sad movies in 2023 and prepare to be moved by the heartbreakingly poignant stories that await in Hulu’s collection of emotionally charged films.
1. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
The film depicts how the Federal Department of Narcotics targets Billie Holiday, a black singer, in a musical drama biography based on her life. This movie takes place in the 1940s when Holiday was at the height of her fame and the government was preparing to ban her contentious song “Strange Fruit.” The film demonstrates how racism was used to incite a drug war in American culture.
| IMDB rating: | 6.3 |
| Cast: | Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Miss Lawrence, and Da‘Vince Roy Randolph. |
| Director: | Lee Daniels |
2. Nomadland (2020)
The plot of the drama film Nomadland, which won an Academy Award, centres on Fern, a woman in her sixties. Following the Great Recession, she loses both her job and her home, and she begins a new life as a nomad. She meets other nomads along the way who teach her how to live as one in the modern era as she sets out on this new journey.
| IMDB rating: | 7.3 |
| Cast: | Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Gay DeForest, and Bob Wells |
| Director: | Chloé Zhao |
3. Endless (2020)
In the fantasy romance film Endless, Riley and Chris, a high school couple who are deeply in love but are torn apart by a car accident, tell their story. Riley feels responsible for this tragedy while Chris is fighting for his life while trapped in limbo. In the meantime, Chris discovers a way to relate to Riley through love. If you’ve ever been in love, this movie will undoubtedly resonate with you. If your heart is too heavy and you can’t take it anymore, watch these light-hearted fantasy movies on Hulu.
| IMDB rating: | 4.9 |
| Cast: | Nicholas Hamilton, Alexandra Shipp, and Famke Janssen |
| Director: | Scott Speer |
4. I, Tonya (2017)
I, Tonya is currently among the most moving and depressing movies available on Hulu. This mockumentary cum biography tells Tonya Harding’s life story as an elite figure skater. She overcame a lot of personal obstacles on the way to becoming a world-class skater. When her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly makes an unfavourable return to her life, things become more challenging for her.
| IMDB rating: | 7.5 |
| Cast: | Margot Robbie, Allison Janney, and Sebastian Stan |
| Director: | Craig Gillespie |
5. Titanic (1997)
The heartbreaking film Titanic is unquestionably among the best sad movies available on Hulu. The plot of the film centres on Rose, a young girl from an aristocratic family who is about to marry a wealthy man. She meets Jack Dawson, a struggling artist, on the Titanic ship, and they quickly fall in love. They both fall head over heels for one another as they struggle to survive the ship’s sinking disaster. Undoubtedly one of James Cameron’s best romantic dramas of all time.
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, and others |
| Director: | James Cameron |
6. Supernova (2020)
A gay couple named Sam and Tusker travels in their RV to see old friends and locations in the romantic drama film Supernova. They set out on this journey across England because Tusker was given a dementia diagnosis two years prior. They both want to relive everything before Tusket loses his memory to avoid becoming strangers once more.
| IMDB rating: | 6.9 |
| Cast: | Stanley Tucci, Colin Firth, James Dreyfus, and Pippa Haywood |
| Director: | Harry Macqueen |
7. The Hero (2017)
In the drama film The Hero, Lee Hayden, an elderly Western movie star, tells his story. He tries to relive his past successes after learning that he has cancer and comes to terms with it. The 2015 release of the Indian movie Uthama Villain inspired the plot of the movie. One of the depressing movies on Hulu that will break your heart and cause you to cry.
| IMDB rating: | 6.5 |
| Cast: | Sam Elliott, Laura Prepon, Nick Offerman, and Krysten Ritter |
| Director: | Brett Halsey |
8. Shoplifters (2018)
Shoplifters, as the name suggests, follow the life of Osamu, a shoplifter who lives with his family. She finds a young child named Yuri who is suffering from the cold and decides to adopt her. The family is made up of only criminals who live together and make their living by committing crimes. However, they are all brought together when the family’s young son is taken into custody.
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka, Kirin Kiki and Lily Franky |
| Director: | Hirokazu Koreeda |
9. Minding the Gap (2018)
An emotional film called Minding the Gap tells the tale of three young people who become friends through skateboarding. In their hometown of the Rust Belt, they all find a haven from their familial lives. As they mature, they are forced to take on responsibilities that put their friendships in jeopardy.
| IMDB rating: | 8 |
| Cast: | Bing Liu, Zack Mulligan, and Keire Johnson. |
| Director: | Bing Liu |
10. Lucky (2017)
The plot of the comedy-drama Lucky centres on a 90-year-old atheist man who sets out on a journey after outliving his fellow people his age. He seeks illumination along the way to help him come to terms with her morality. He lives in an out-of-the-way desert town with a cast of peculiar characters.
| IMDB rating: | 7.3 |
| Cast: | Harry Dean Stanton, David Lynch, Tom Skerritt, and Ron Livingston |
| Director: | John Carol Lynch |
11. Flee (2021)
A unique blend of animation and real-life footage, “Flee” tells the true story of Amin Nawabi’s escape from Afghanistan to Denmark, earning its spot as one of the best sad movies on Hulu. This powerful documentary delves into the triumphs and tragedies of human resilience, offering a heartfelt portrayal of the immigrant experience. Despite the heart-wrenching moments, the film’s optimistic conclusion makes it a must-watch among Hulu’s most touching and heartbreaking movies.
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Daniel Karimyar, Fardin Mijdzadeh, Milad Eskandari |
| Director: | Jonas Poher Rasmussen |
Also Read:
Best Documentaries on Hulu in 2023
12. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
This exquisite period romance set in the late 1700s portrays a powerful love story between an artist and an aristocrat, making it one of the best Hulu sad movies. Its poignant narrative, brought to life by Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel’s stellar performances, delivers genuine emotional depth. With a beautifully somber tone, it’s a tearjerker that never feels manipulative and culminates in a touching ending, earning its place among the best sad and heartbreaking movies on Hulu.
| IMDB rating: | 8.1 |
| Cast: | Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami |
| Director: | Céline Sciamma |
13. A Star Is Born (2018)
This engaging drama-music feature, “A Star Is Born,” follows the tumultuous romance between country rock singer Jack Maine and aspiring artist Ally. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Jack’s addiction struggles and Ally’s rising career. With a captivating screenplay, it’s a must-watch among Hulu’s best sad and heartbreaking movies, delivering a poignant narrative that leaves a lasting impact.
| IMDB rating: | 7.6 |
| Cast: | Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott |
| Director: | Bradley Cooper |
14. Moonlight (2016)
Barry Jenkins’ powerful drama “Moonlight” traces the life of Chiron through various stages, exploring themes of identity, race, and sexuality. This emotionally charged film navigates drug abuse, toxic masculinity, and absent parenting while highlighting the importance of mentorship. “Moonlight” is a standout among the best Hulu sad movies, providing a thought-provoking and moving portrayal of a young man’s quest for self-discovery.
| IMDB rating: | 7.4 |
| Cast: | Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes |
| Director: | Barry Jenkins |
15. The Cove (2009)
“The Cove” is an Academy Award-winning documentary that sheds light on the horrifying practice of dolphin hunting in Japan. This hard-hitting film, told from the perspective of activist Ric O’Barry, exposes the shocking reality of the fishing industry with gripping storytelling and graphic footage. A cinematic and thrilling journey, it stands out among Hulu’s best sad and heartbreaking movies, offering a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience.
| IMDB rating: | 8.4 |
| Cast: | Richard O’Barry, Louie Psihoyos, Hardy Jones |
| Director: | Louie Psihoyos |
Wrap Up!
If you’re in search of emotional and heart-wrenching cinematic experiences, Hulu offers a selection of the best sad movies that will tug at your heartstrings. The collection of sad and heartbreaking movies available on Hulu provides a compelling and emotional cinematic experience for viewers seeking stories that tug at the heartstrings. This curated selection offers a range of films that explore themes of loss, grief, love, and human vulnerability.
These movies delve into the depths of human emotions, presenting narratives that elicit empathy and provoke introspection. From poignant dramas to heart-wrenching romances, each film in this collection presents a unique perspective on the complexities of the human condition.
We hope you enjoyed watching these sad and heartbreaking movies on Hulu. Enjoy your binge!
